Hansen assumes command of VP-40 in Bahrain

By Crosswind Administrator • May 9, 2013 11:01 am
U.S. Navy photo. Maritime Patrol Squadron 40 marks a change in leadership by stenciling their new commanding officer’s name, Cmdr. Patrick D. Hansen (center), on the P-3C Orion. He is pictured with his new executive officer Cmdr. Erik C. Estenson (left) and outgoing squadron commanding officer Cmdr. Kent W. Moore.

Cmdr. Patrick D. Hansen assumed command of Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40) from Cmdr. Kent W. Moore during a change of command ceremony in the Kingdom of Bahrain on May 6, 2013, becoming the squadron’s 62nd Commanding Officer.

The VP-40 Fighting Marlins, homeported at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor, Wash., are currently deployed to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Qatar.

Moore led the P-3C Orion squadron, along with its more than 330 Sailors, since June 2012. When he took command, VP-40 was in the middle of its first 12-month Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle (IDRC) in 10 years.

IDRC’s had previously been accomplished in 18 months. Under Moore’s leadership, the Fighting Marlins successfully conducted two major exercises, Rim of the Pacific 2012 and Valiant Shield 2012.

Over the course of the IDRC, the squadron focused on combat aircrew readiness for the upcoming deployment and was highly effective in the execution of 2,737 simulator hours, 896 simulator sorties, 1,398 nighttime flight hours, 651 sorties and 3,036 flight hours.

At the end of the IDRC in November 2012, VP-40 deployed to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. The squadron began a highly dynamic and demanding deployment where the Fighting Marlins have executed 452 sorties encompassing 4,130 flight hours and successfully conducted several detachments in the region.

With Moore’s direction, VP-40 was an integral part of maritime security and deterring destabilizing activities in the region.

Upon returning home, Moore will head to Virginia to join Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) staff.

Moore’s farewell address at the change of command ceremony highlighted the squadron’s accomplishments while urging each and every Sailor to continue striving for personal and professional excellence.

“You have done incredible things,” said Moore. “And the results of your work have made it to the highest levels of our government.”

Hansen echoed these sentiments while gearing up the squadron for the challenges that remain as VP-40 concludes a successful and rewarding deployment and prepares to return home.

“You continue to amaze and impress with your hard work, dedication, and consistent performance in every aspect of Squadron execution,” said Hansen. “I am humbled by the sacrifice you continue to make on a daily basis to make this organization better.”

Cmdr. Erik C. Estenson joins VP-40 as Executive Officer, while Command Master Chief Carlos J. Alamo remains as the top enlisted advisor to squadron leadership.